Top 10 Facts About How to Remove Skin Tags

Have you ever glanced in the mirror and noticed a small, pale piece of skin growing next to your eye, on the top of your lip, or on your neck? Chances are this is a skin tag. Skin tags are small growths that can grow virtually anywhere on the body. They are composed of collagen and blood vessels that get stuck in a larger piece of skin. They may grow in areas where skin meets skin, or where articles of clothing rub against the skin. These areas may include, for instance, the eyelids, armpits, groin, upper chest, neck, and back.

Skin tags, while aesthetically frustrating, are usually harmless. They are benign growths that typically don’t grow, advance, or turn into anything that would require serious medical attention. The only time they may cause any frustration is when they are itched or rubbed. When prompted, they can become inflamed and irritated. However, if they are left alone, they are usually innocent.

Skin tags can be found on people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. They do not discriminate. There is evidence to suggest that pregnant women and obese individuals may develop them more often than their non-pregnant, healthy weight counterparts, although they can be found on virtually anyone.

While they are harmless, most people with skin tags wish to get rid of them. So, how do you remove skin tags? Here are 10 facts about how to remove skin tags that will help you keep your skin clear and healthy.

10Skin Tags Can be Removed Using a Tag Band Device

If you are looking to remove your skin tags, some methods are safer than others. Removing your skin tag with a tag band device, for instance, is much safer than tying a string onto your skin tag and trying to remove it yourself.

A tag band device is an easy tool to use to get rid of your skin tag. It was initially developed to help people remove their skin tags at home with little to no risk of infection. It is easy to use, 100% safe, and removes skin tags in less than one week. The beautiful thing is that this product can be purchased over the counter in any convenience store or local grocery store. Everything you need comes in one package and is easy to administer.

The device, itself, is a small tool that has a band wrapped around it. On one end, there is a small, hollow cone that is placed directly over the skin tag. Once this is put on top of the skin tag, the band is pushed to the edge, preventing blood flow to the skin tag. Without blood flow, the skin tag eventually dies. It will then fall off.

This product is deemed safe to use on most areas of the body, including the face. For those with small skin tags, they may opt to use another device called a Micro Tag Band. This product is also available in stores. This is a safe and effective way to remove skin tags without the hassle of going to a doctor or risking infection.

9Skin Tags Should Not be Removed with String or Floss

Floss everyday. Just not your skin tags.

If you were to perform an internet search for ways to remove skin tags, using floss or string is always one of the first results to pop up. This is a very popular method, but not a very effective one. Not only can this be performed incorrectly, but it can also put you at an increased risk of developing infection. Infections at the removal site can lead to a lot of problems down the road.

So, how does this method work? Individuals with skin tags typically take a small piece of floss or string and wrap it around the stalk, or base, of the skin tag. Tying off the base of the skin tag helps to ensure that the blood flow is restricted. The person should tie the string tight enough so that there is no circulation to the infected site. Once the string is tied onto the base of the skin tag, it is left there for about a week. Once a week has passed, the skin tag has usually died and will just fall off.

While it seems like a viable method, it does put the individual at risk for infection. If a person is touching the infected area with his or her bare hands, there is a chance that bacteria or other germs can get into the base of the skin tag and wreak havoc on his or her health. In addition, the string can be tied wrong and cause problems for the skin surrounding the infected area.

8Once Removed, Skin Tags Can Grow Back

Skin tags can be tenacious.

Unfortunately, once a skin tag is removed, it does have the potential to grow back. While this isn’t common, it can happen.

So, how do you remove a skin tag so that it doesn’t come back? There are quite a few methods used to remove skin tags. While some methods are certainly better than others, there is virtually no method that is 100% guaranteed to prevent a skin tag from growing back. The only method that is close to being 100% is when a doctor cuts the skin tag down to the root. This, however, needs to be performed under the guidance of a trained medical professional in a medical office. Most methods, like using floss or even using the tie band, don’t always target the root. You may be able to remove the tag using these methods, but will not remove the root, which perpetuates future growth.

Skin tags grow back because they are always growing. Skin tags are an extension of the largest organ of your body – your epidermis. Due to the fact that it is an organ, it can keep growing if it is not properly taken care of. The skin will automatically regenerate itself either in the same location or close by. If you have large skin tags or several small ones, you may want to consult a medical professional to determine the best method of removal.

7Tea Tree Oil Can Help Remove Skin Tags

You have probably heard all of the fuss about tea tree oil. In the world of beauty, health, and wellness, tea tree oil is constantly being marketed as wonder oil with unique properties that help treat, heal, and revitalize your body. Tea tree oil can be used to treat common infections of the skin, such as acne, fungal infections, lice, scabies, and ringworm. It can also be used to treat skin tags.

So, how does tea tree oil combat skin tags? What makes it a good method in helping to remove skin tags? Tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-microbial, and other medicinal properties that help to treat the skin. When applied directly to the skin tag, it helps to loosen the tag from the base of the skin so that it falls off.

Tea tree oil is a great method to combat skin tags because it is affordable and easily accessible. You can find pure, natural tea tree oil in just about any natural food or health and beauty store. The important thing is that you purchase pure tea tree oil and dilute it yourself at home. It is critical that the oil is diluted before it is applied to your skin or else it can cause allergic reactions due to its potency. Dabbing a small amount of tea tree oil with a clean washcloth or cotton ball every night before bed can help to loosen the skin tag and remove it within a week.

6Skin Tags Should Not be Cut Off at Home

Leave the scissors in the drawer.

So, you have a skin tag that is really starting to bother you. It keeps rubbing against the collar of your shirt and is starting to become red and irritated. You don’t want to call your doctor for such a seemingly minor issue, but you know you need to do something. What do you do? How do you get rid of it? In the midst of growing frustration, you might be tempted to cut it off using a pair of scissors or clippers at home.

For many, this is a common concern and a common thought. Most people think it is totally fine to cut off a skin tag using a pair of scissors at home. The problem, however, is that it puts you at an increased risk of bleeding and infection. While the short term solution seems viable, the long term implications can be disastrous.

Cutting a skin tag off in the comfort of your home is a lot different than having a trained medical professional do it. Often times, your equipment is not the cleanest. The same scissors that you used to cut open the package of chicken may be laden with germs and bacteria that are anxiously waiting for a human host. The bacteria can easily get into your skin if the scissors aren’t properly sterilized ahead of time. Not to mention the simple fact that you may not be wearing gloves. Medical professionals always wear gloves. In addition, if you cut the skin tag in the wrong manner, you can cause severe bleeding that can be hard to stop. When it comes down to it, it is easier to consult a healthcare provider to help remove your skin tag than try to cut it off yourself. It will save you – and your health – a lot of time and energy.

5Using a Wart and Mole Remover Can Work

When it comes to removing skin tags, there are many options on the market. While some are certainly better than others, one of the top ways is to use a wart and mole remover.

So, how does a wart and mole remover help to clear skin tags when skin tags aren’t related to warts or moles? Skin tags, similar to moles and warts, are growths on the skin. While they aren’t the same thing, they are similar and can be treated in a similar manner. If you aren’t comfortable resorting to some of the more invasive methods of removing skin tags, this can be a viable option.

The nice thing about wart and mole remover is that it can be purchased over the counter at just about any local drug store or convenience store. They are usually fairly priced and readily accessible. While there are quite a few different brands to choose from, Dr. Scholl’s ranks one of the best.

Once you have purchased the topical solution, it is time to apply it to your skin tag. It is important to make sure that the area is thoroughly washed and dried prior to application. This will help to ensure that there are no bacteria that infect the area. The wart remover is then applied directly to the skin tag. This is done for a week or more, depending on how big the skin tag is or how resilient it is to treatment. The solution will eventually loosen the tag, while will make it fall from the skin.

4Prior to Removing Your Skin Tag, You Should Consult a Medical Provider

For the love of God before you do anything, speak with your doctor.

As frustrating as it may be, it is imperative that you speak with a healthcare provider prior to removing your skin tag or seeking treatment. If your skin tag has progressed to a point where it is a nuisance, it is wise to consult a trained medical professional to ensure there are no underlying skin conditions.

Skin tags, as mentioned prior, are typically harmless. They are often small, benign growths that pop up on the surface of the skin where there is friction. They can show up just about anywhere. You may readily notice them in areas of heightened sensitivity, while they may go undiscovered on others parts of the body. The worst symptoms they may present are redness and irritation. Otherwise, they don’t present much trouble with regards to your health and wellbeing.

The problem, however, is that an individual can sometimes mistake a skin tag for another, more serious medical condition. Take cancer, for instance. Skin cancer can form just about anywhere on the body. Skin cancer can present itself as an irregular mole, but it can also look like a skin tag. A person can easily mistake a benign skin tag with a more serious skin condition. This is why it is important to speak with a medical professional. Your primary care physician can help, as well as a Dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions. This will help to ensure that you are, indeed, removing a skin tag and not ignoring a problem that is much larger and much more serious.

3Skin Tags Can be Cauterized

Cauterization is essentially the process of burning the skin tag off. While this sounds like a horrible method, it is an extremely effective method that is offered by most medical professionals. A cauterization pen or instrument is heated. Once it reaches a certain temperature, the skin tag is stretched, and the device is applied directly to the tag’s surface. The skin tag is heated, and the cells begin to burn. When the burn, they die, and the skin tag falls off.

The process is fairly simple with little to no recovery time. When done by a medical professional, the area is treated before the application so that it does not cause pain. It is wise to have this procedure done by a trained medical professional. They have high-quality tools and the knowledge needed to perform this surgery in a safe and efficient manner. They can make sure that you are cared for before and after the treatment. They can also help to ensure that you are not subject to excess bleeding or infections as a result of this treatment option.

There are cauterization pens available for sale in the general market. These can be ordered online or purchased from a health and beauty store. While you can certainly perform this procedure at home, it is best to consult the professionals. Cauterization, when done correctly, can help remove stubborn skin tags and prevent them from growing back.

2Skin Tags Can be Removed Using a Technique Called Cryosurgery

Or freeze them to death.

If burning your skin tag sounds too painful, perhaps you want to consider Cryosurgery. Cryosurgery involves freezing the skin tag off, versus burning it off or relying on topical solutions to help remove it for the long haul.

Cryosurgery has been around for many years. It has often been turned to as a viable means of treating common, benign skin conditions. While Cryosurgery can be used to treat warts, cysts, and other common growths, it is an effective treatment option for skin tags.

Cryosurgery is administered by a trained healthcare professional. It is usually done in the doctor’s office and does not require any follow-up care. It is a preferred method because it is quick and often requires little to no recovery time. There is a very low risk of infection and minimal wound care associated with this method. There is a broad range of different spray methods including the timed spot treatment technique, rotary, spinal pattern, and the paintbrush method. Each method uses liquid nitrogen to remove the skin tag. Depending on the size and location of the skin tag, your doctor can help you determine which method would be most suitable for your needs.

The liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the skin tag. It is administered using one of the above-mentioned tools. Despite the delivery, this is an effective treatment option that should be considered if you are looking to remove stubborn skin tags and prevent the growth of new ones.

1Skin Tags Can be Removed Using Apple Cider Vinegar

If you have tried everything to remove stubborn skin tags and nothing has worked, then perhaps it is time to rely on a more natural method. Apple cider vinegar is a wonder product that is used to treat a broad range of ailments. It is used to alleviate stomach aches, hiccups, sore throats, indigestion, and more. While it is certainly a great product to use for many reasons, it is an astonishing cure for skin tags.

Apple cider vinegar is great to use because it is affordable, readily available, and efficient. If you look in the back of your pantry, you will most likely find a large bottle of apple cider vinegar. If not, you can go to just about any grocery store, local convenience store, or corner market to grab a bottle. It can be found virtually anywhere and can be purchased at a fraction of the cost when compared to some of the other treatment options.

The acidity in the apple cider vinegar and its medicinal properties help to treat skin tags. All you need to do is pat a clean cotton ball with some diluted apple cider vinegar. This will help to ensure that the acidity of the vinegar doesn’t cause an adverse reaction with your skin. The cotton ball is then applied directly to the skin tag. This should be done for a week or more, depending on how well the skin tag responds to the treatment. Eventually, the skin tag will remove itself from the shaft, and your skin will be clear.

Conclusion

Skin tags are small growths that develop on the skin. While they are harmless, they can cause irritation depending on their location on the body. If they are in an area that tends to rub against your clothing, they can grow to become red and agitated. Typically, if they cause irritation or become a visible nuisance, they should be removed.

There are many ways to remove skin tags. Some of these methods are safer and more effective than others. One of the most important things is that you make sure you are treating a skin tag before beginning any treatment. It is recommended that you consult your healthcare professional to ensure there are no serious underlying skin conditions that need to be cared for.

If you elect to remove the skin tag yourself, you can use apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or some topical solutions. If you feel more comfortable consulting a healthcare professional, they can remove your skin tag using cryosurgery or cauterization. Regardless, it is important to know the facts about what works and what doesn’t before treatment. Knowing the facts about how to remove skin tags will help to ensure that you remove them safely and adequately so that your skin can be clean, clear, and healthy for years to come.